Nollywood Travel Film Festival

Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF) is an international film festival dedicated to showcasing Nigerian cinema, also known as Nollywood, to global audiences. Founded in 2017 in Toronto, Canada, the festival screens works by Nigerian filmmakers based both in Nigeria and abroad. It was established by filmmaker and director Mykel Parish, who continues to oversee its operations.

The NTFF hosts film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and award ceremonies across various international venues, aiming to promote the cultural and creative breadth of Nollywood. Past recipients of this award include actors, such as Omotola Jalade (2017), Richard Mofe-Damijo (2018), Uche Treasure (2024).

History

The Nollywood Travel Film Festival was founded in 2017 by Mykel Parish, it was established to broaden the global visibility of Nigerian cinema by presenting films in various international cities and encouraging collaboration between Nigerian and international filmmakers. The inaugural edition was held in September 2017 in Toronto, Canada, marking the festival’s introduction as a platform for showcasing Nollywood's distinct storytelling and cinematic approach.

Since its inception, the festival has taken place in cities such as Atlanta, Hamburg, Berlin, Glasgow, Helsinki, Paris, Oslo, Amsterdam, Lima, Italy, and Athens. It has developed into a notable venue for both independent and collaborative filmmakers aiming to reach international audiences. In 2018, Nigerian actor and model Chris Okagbue served as the official Festival Ambassador, reflecting the festival’s commitment to involving well-known Nollywood personalities in its promotional efforts.

Notable film premieres

Films that have been featured or premiered at the Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF) include Kada River, Alter Ego, Dear Affy, Isoken, The Women, We Don’t Live Here Anymore, Collision Course, Citation (film), Eagle Wings , 10 Days in Sun City, Catch.er, Lotanna, Lost in London, Excess Luggage, Esohe, Mansoor, Oloibiri, Unveil, Slow Country, and Lockdown. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde received the Best Actress award for her role in Alter Ego, while Richard Mofe-Damijo was recognized with an award for Most Outstanding Individual in Nollywood. In 2024, teen actress Uchechi Treasure received the NTFF Best Teen Actress Award. The festival has held editions in various locations, including Atlanta in 2019 organized in collaboration with the African Motion Film Festival Scotland—and Athens in 2022, which was themed "Experience Nollywood."

Events and activities

The NTFF is known for its diverse programming, which typically spans a weekend and includes:

• Film Screenings: Indoor and outdoor screenings of Nollywood films, ranging from feature films to shorts, showcasing both established and emerging filmmakers.
• Panel Discussions: Conversations on filmmaking, industry trends, and the global impact of Nollywood, often featuring prominent directors, actors, and producers.
• Workshops: Educational sessions for aspiring filmmakers to learn about production techniques, distribution, and global market strategies.
• Networking Events: Opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and potential investors.
• Awards Ceremonies: Recognition of outstanding films, directors, and actors, with categories celebrating creativity and cultural impact.
• Cultural Events: Red carpet premieres, galas, and afterparties that highlight Nigerian culture and foster community engagement.

Awards

<big>2017 Nollywood Travel Film Festival Awards</big>

<big>2018 Nollywood Travel Film Festival Awards</big>

<big>2024 Nollywood Travel Film Festival Awards</big>

Chronology of NTFF

References

External links